Owner sells Balboa carousel

Patrick Moore confirms there's a deal but declines to identify buyer or new SoCal location for the attraction.

September 22, 2011|By Sarah Peters

The historic merry-go-round at the Balboa Fun Zone will remain in Southern California, its owner said Thursday.

Patrick Moore said the historic attraction has sold, but he declined to name the new owner or where the painted ponies would be located.

Moore listed t

he carousel on EBay for $149,999, but "discounted the price to the buyers in order to keep it somewhat local," he told the Daily Pilot in an email.

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He said it will be "within about 15 miles from here along the 405, if all goes according to plan."

Moore has entered into a sales agreement with a buyer, but is holding off on a formal announcement until all paperwork has been completed, the Orange County Register reported.

On July 25, the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum told the Fun Zone that it would not renew the carousel's lease. The museum intends to use the patio area for outdoor classes and activities in the future.

This will be the last weekend for rides on the historic amusement, which coincides with the Fun Zone's 75th anniversary on Saturday. Anniversary celebrations will offer 5-cent rides.

The attraction will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday for photos only.

The merry-go-round will be dismantled Sept. 30.

The Ferris wheel, also owned by Moore, will not close. It has 25 years remaining on its lease.